When unoptimized, live-updating character counts can be a nightmare for screen reader use. It's tough to type while being interrupted with seemingly endless character count announcements. By designing separate visual and screen reader experiences, we improved the character count component for all.

This case study explores how a team made a character counter more accessible for The UK Government. The character counter announced the number of characters too frequently. This could be distracting for a person using screen reading software trying to enter a response. The team broke down the roles of the character counter and created multiple accessible components. It now only announces the number of characters when it is relevant and unintrusive.